The Nervous System

The nervous system is like your body's messaging system. It helps you think, move, feel, and remember. Your brain is the boss, and nerves are like tiny wires. These wires carry signals all over your body very fast.

Brain and Nerves

Your brain sits inside your skull and controls everything you do. It sends signals down your spinal cord, which runs inside your backbone. From there, nerves branch out to every part of your body. These signals travel faster than a race car.

A drawing showing how nerves send signals through the body.
A drawing showing how nerves send signals through the body. (Christinelmiller / Wikimedia Commons)

What It Does

The nervous system helps you move your arms and legs when you want to. It also controls things you do not think about, like breathing and your heartbeat. It lets you feel pain, warmth, and soft things. It even helps you dream when you sleep.

Fun Facts

  • Your brain has about 86 billion nerve cells called neurons.
  • Nerve signals can travel up to 268 miles per hour.
  • Your brain uses about 20 percent of your body's energy.

Did You Know?

Your brain keeps working while you sleep. It sorts out memories and helps you learn new things.